Community raises nearly $10,000 for critical support at annual melanoma march

The community gathered for the annual Melanoma March at Ballina. Photo: SUPPLIED. INSET: Volunteers and people of all ages took part in the event this year. Photo: SUPPLIED

BALLINA residents have raised almost $10,000 for melanoma research during the town’s annual Melanoma March.

The event, supported by the Melanoma Institute Australia, brought together volunteers from multiple community groups.

Participants completed a 4.4km walk from Missingham Park to North Wall and back, with live music and family friendly entertainment along the way.

The Ballina march is held in memory of Mikayla Green, who died from melanoma in 2022 at the age of 24.

“We are so grateful to Sharyn Dorey, who organises this event in honour of her daughter Mikayla Green,” a spokesperson for the Melanoma Institute Australia said.

“Thank you to all the volunteers, including the students from Xavier Catholic College, who support Sharyn.”

Melanoma survivor Rachael Parsons shared her personal story before officially starting the march by cutting the yellow ribbon.

Volunteers and people of all ages took part in the event this year. Photo: SUPPLIED

Participants included cancer survivors, local doctors and families affected by the disease, reflecting the wide reaching impact of melanoma across the community.

Organisers said the funds raised would contribute to ongoing research and continued awareness efforts around melanoma prevention.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and Australia has the highest rates in the world, with one person diagnosed every 30 minutes and one death every six hours.

It is also the most common cancer affecting Australians aged 20 to 39.

The institute has been involved in treatment advances including targeted drug therapies, immunotherapies and pre surgery immunotherapy.

Donations can still be made towards the overall fundraising goal of $500,000 at melanomamarch.org.au.